Jazz Ensemble Concert to Feature Tonight Show Jazz

Published: Feb 19, 2014

With Jimmy Fallon making headlines as the new host of The Tonight Show, The University of Tampa Jazz Ensemble will pay tribute to Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show Band at its winter concert, Tonight Show Jazz. The concert is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 24, at 7:30 p.m. in Falk Theatre.

The concert, which is free and open to the public, will feature signature musical arrangements from Carson’s Tonight Show Band, which was led by Doc Severinsen. Having a band has become a part of the late night talk show formula. The music arrangements written for the classic big band format of Carson’s Tonight Show Band, however, have continued on as standard jazz repertoire for live performance and educational study, a lasting tribute to Johnny Carson, who was a drummer and avid music buff.

"This Tonight Show Jazz concert is all about the groove," said Bob Macar, who took over as director of UT’s Jazz Ensemble in January. "I selected The Tonight Show arrangements with the most groove, swing, pulse, time, whatever you want to call it, so much so that the audience will wish there was a dance floor at the Falk Theater. The aisles will be available."

The concert marks the debut of Macar, a noted musician, arranger and live music producer based in Tampa. Former director Aric Brian will perform with the ensemble — an 18-piece big band-style jazz group — and be featured on a Tommy Newsom arrangement of Stardust.

For more information, contact Macar at (813) 253-6212 or rmacar@ut.edu.